The Goal is JOY
We all have times, phases, or seasons in our lives when something goes awry. My time hit me hard at the beginning of this year.
In early January, I was having pain across my shoulders and upper back. I thought a warm bath with epsom salts would remedy my pain. But then, I couldn’t get out of the bathtub and later, I couldn’t dress myself.
Forty-plus doctor appointments and many procedures later, I finally have a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease.
I learned there are 50 million people in the US with autoimmune diseases and over 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some are well known while others are rare and almost unheard of. But they all attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs. It’s a maze to decipher and a lot of people who need a lot of care.
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After much prayer, a lot of research, and holding on to hope, I discovered what would help me the most was self-care.
Find a quiet moment to sit and clear my mind.
Get plenty of sleep.
Do moderate exercise every day like yoga or stretching.
Eat healthy meals and snacks.
Find ways to avoid stress.
Actually, we all need to live by these self-care routines. More research led me to an article about how we can avoid injuries and diseases as we age by living with these simple routines. Self-nourishment brings balance and clarity to our lives. It really is an easy process but it tends to be the first thing pushed aside when life gets busy.
When you are not taking care of yourself, you end up stuck in a tunnel of darkness. Practicing mindful self-care can lead you out of the darkness and allow you to step into light, hope, and joy.
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For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 NIV
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 NIV
These three verses show the power of stepping into light, hope, and joy.
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The Goal is JOY
Light will illuminate your path and show you the way to restore balance and clarity in your life.
And we are nothing without hope. Hold onto your hope life it is a life preserver. Living in joy really is the goal of our lives. Genuine joy comes from knowing and trusting our Lord and Savior.
Taking care of yourself through good habits is the first stepping stone towards living a life of joy.
My minister said in his recent sermon, “Most people endure life rather than enjoy life.” Don’t let that be your style.
I challenge you to make a decision to walk out of the darkness in your life and step into the beauty of light, hope, and joy… especially joy… The goal is JOY!
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Other Blogs You May Enjoy Reading…..
Finding Hope Through Resilience
Is Happiness a Goal or a Journey
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I’m so sorry you are dealing with this but glad you have finally gotten a diagnosis. It can be so frustrating when you know something is wrong but you can’t find an answer. My sister has been dealing with an auto-immune disease all of her adult life and like you, she has found ways to try and cope with it and has found joy once again. Sending well wishes your way.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Great insight. I too want to be a person that enjoys life not just endures.
This is so inspiring, I also wrote about well-being and freedom over on my blog but I like the perspective you’ve given us here. It makes me want to prioritize even more and not waste my life. Thank you! 😊
I have been looking at joy in a whole new light this year after coming out of a 7 + week depression last year.
This is such a beautiful and heartwarming post. Thank you for sharing your story. I pray that the Great Physician will visit your home and illuminate His healing light in and through you.
Joy really is profound and remains an eternal gift from our Heavenly Father.